Cardiff and Covid-19

Everything you need to know

As Cardiff joins the rest of the UK in Lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and alleviate stress on the NHS, I thought it would be handy to create a post with a list of Cardiff-specific service information and advice to get us all through the coming months. I’ve complied information on changes to local essential services from waste collection to transport, a handy list of links if you’re looking to volunteer or offer help, where to look for help if you’re struggling, as well as a growing list of independent restaurants running takeaway and delivery services to keep the capital well-fed. 🙂

Changes to Local Services

Transport

Buses

From Wednesday the 25th of March, Cardiff Bus will be running a Sunday service every day of the week, except routes 1, 2, 65, 95 & H59. Find out more here.

In terms of local routes, Traveline Cymru has a brilliant list of all local bus and coach services and information on updated/ammended services right here.

Trains

From Monday 23rd March, Transport for Wales will be operating a reduced timetable across their network – operating a Sunday service 7 days a week. Find out more here. (They’ve also added additional services to support Key Workers).

From Monday the 23rd of March, Great Western Railway are running an updated timetable to prioritize key routes. The Cardiff Central to Paddington route is affected by these changes – you can check whether your train is running here. There are also full refunds available if you’ve decided not to travel due to Coronavirus.

Flights

Some flights are still running from Cardiff Airport, but you should check with your airline before turning up at the airport. Food and Drink Kiosks, as well as the Bureaux de Change and Executive Lounge are closed. Find out more here. (Also bear in mind that train and bus services to the airport might have changed – see above).

Roads

If you were panicing about the fact that your car is due for its MOT slap bang during the Covid-19 Lockdown (that’s me), then panic no more; if your car is due in for its MOT on or after the 30th of March then you’ve got a 6 month extention. However, you’ll still need to keep your car in good shape – the government is allowing garages to remain open. Read up about it right here.

Waste Collection

Bulky items and Garden Waste Collections have been cancelled, and the recycling centres at Lamby Way and Bessemer Road are closed. You can find out more here.

Hubs, Community Centres and Libraries

From Wednesday the 25th of March only the St Mellons, Ely & Caerau, Powerhouse and Central Hub will be open. Access is by appointment only – find out more here.

Cardiff Central Library is open, but the opening hours have changed – read more here.

Children’s Playgrounds and Parks

Childrens playgrounds are closed, Parks are still open. Find out more here, and to see a list of Cardiff’s Parks and Open Spaces, click here.

Doctor Surgeries and Hospitals

A lot of GP Surgeries in Cardiff have cut down on routine appointments and services and are operating telephone screening services for patients. Unfortunately a lot of NHS Screening Services have been suspended (find out more here). Dental Checkups have also been affected.

*If you have either a new, continuous cough and/or a fever, you should self-isolate at home. If your symptoms deteriorate, call 111. Find out more here.

How to Help

If you’re looking to get involved and offer help and support during the Covid 19 pandemic, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available – even if you’re self isolating.

NHS Volunteers

As long as you’re over 18 and aren’t presenting any symptoms of Coronavirus then you can sign up to become an NHS Volunteer Responder right here. Even if you’re in an at risk group or are over 70, you can sign up and provide assistance over the phone.

Velindre Cancer Care in Whitchurch are also looking for Temporary Volunteers.

Cardiff Foodbank Volunteers

If you’re interested in signing up to help Banc Bwyd Caerdydd get essentials to those who need it most, then head here.

Cardiff Covid-19 Facebook Groups

If you’re looking to inform Cardiff’s residents about anything Covid 19-related, then check out these groups:

Volunteer Cardiff

The Council’s Volunteer Cardiff page has plenty of information on how you can help out in your local community during the outbreak.

Volunteering Wales

Volunteering Wales have a page set up with information on opportunities for volunteers during the outbreak.

Where to Get Help

If your job has been affected by Covid 19:

*If you are currently claiming Job Seekers Allowance, you do not need to sign on until further notice.

If you’re “at risk” and self isolating:

If you’re worried about money or looking for financial help:

If you’re worried about your metal health:

If you’re worried about your home/accomodation:

Food and Drink

Even though all restaurants in Cardiff are currently closed to diners, many are operating Takeaway services (some with offers available for NHS staff members), and many local greengrocers and markets are still trading.

Jane from Hungry City Hippy has written a blog post all about supporting Cardiff’s Foodie Scene during the Covid 19 outbreak.

Find My Dine have a list of independents who are currently offering Gift Vouchers.

Markets

Cardiff Market is still currently open from 8.00am to 3.30pm, however only for essential food supplies.

Riverside Markets are still running in Rhiwbina, Roath and Riverside – reserving the first hour for older and vulnerable customers. However the markets at St Fagans, Cardiff University and Cardiff MET are currently closed. Find out more here.

Restaurants with Takeaway services

Wild Thing
Dusty Knuckle (offering Takeaway Pizza and Pizza Kits)
Chilli Basil (10% off Takeaway)
Franks (launching delivery from Thursday 26th via Uber Eats)
Greazy Vegan (via Uber Eats)
Caffi Jam (are working on delivery packs for the vulnerable in isolation)
Vegetarian Food Studio
Big Moose
The Tidy Kitchen Co (creating small batch meals for vulnerable customers and NHS workers)
Oriel Jones (Click and Collect from Cardiff and Pontcanna stores)
Holy Yolks
Pettigrew Bakeries

*I’ll keep adding to this list as and when I hear about new delivery services

Things To Do During Lockdown

Social

Obviously I’m going to keep updating and adding to this page as often as I hear of anything new. If there’s something I’ve missed or that you think should be added, let me know below! 👇👇👇